Thurgood Marshall
American lawyer and Supreme Court Justice
A prominent lawyer and jurist, served as the 32nd United States Solicitor General and the first African American Supreme Court Justice. Played a pivotal role in the landmark case Brown v. Board of Education, which declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional. Advocated for civil rights and fought against discrimination throughout a distinguished legal career, contributing significantly to social justice and equality.
Argued and won Brown v. Board of Education
Served as the first African American Supreme Court Justice
Other People Born on July 2nd
Tyrone Guthrie
Theatrical director and actor
Born
July 2nd, 1900 125 years ago
Died
May 15th, 1971 54 years ago — 70 years old
A significant figure in the development of modern theatre, contributed to major theatrical movements in the 20th century. Directed several influential productions and was instrumental in establishing the Stratford Festival in Canada. Worked extensively in the United Kingdom and Canada, introducing innovative staging techniques and emphasizing collaborative processes in theatrical production. Recognized for the ability to bring classic works to life with fresh perspectives.
Continue ReadingElizabeth Tudor
Queen of England, established Anglicanism
Born
July 2nd, 1492 533 years ago
Died
1495 530 years ago — 3 years old
Ascended to the throne in 1558, ruling until 1603. The daughter of Henry VII and Anne Boleyn, became a central figure in the English Reformation. Established the Church of England, which marked a significant shift in religious alignment in England. Oversaw an era known as the Elizabethan Age, noted for its English Renaissance, advances in arts and literature, and successful engagement in overseas exploration.
Continue ReadingAlec Douglas-Home
Politician and 66th UK Prime Minister
Born
July 2nd, 1903 122 years ago
Died
October 9th, 1995 30 years ago — 92 years old
Held the position of Prime Minister from 1963 to 1964. Served as a member of Parliament for over 30 years. Began political career in the House of Lords before transitioning to the House of Commons. Also served in various cabinet positions, including Foreign Secretary. After leaving office, remained active in politics and public service.
Continue ReadingDavid Owen
English physician and politician
Born
July 2nd, 1938 87 years ago
A physician and politician served as Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs from 1974 to 1976. He was a prominent figure in the Labour Party before co-founding the Social Democratic Party in 1981. Challenged party lines, advocating for centrist policies and engaging in international diplomacy. Contributed to significant discussions regarding healthcare and foreign policy during his political career.
Continue ReadingKim Carr
Australian educator and politician, Minister
Born
July 2nd, 1955 70 years ago
An educator and politician in Australia, served as the 31st Minister for Human Services. Held significant roles within the Australian Labor Party and contributed to various educational policies. Involved in government initiatives aimed at improving social services and workforce development. Represented the state of Victoria in the Senate, advocating for education and research funding. Engaged in community affairs and focused on enhancing accessibility to government programs.
Continue ReadingHermann Hesse
Swiss novelist, poet, and painter
Born
July 2nd, 1877 148 years ago
Died
August 9th, 1962 63 years ago — 85 years old
Born in Germany and later becoming a Swiss citizen, a prominent figure in literature during the 20th century. Wrote several influential novels exploring themes of self-discovery and spirituality, such as "Steppenwolf," "Siddhartha," and "The Glass Bead Game." Awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1946 for achievements in literature that transcend borders. Also an accomplished painter, Hesse created numerous works that reflected his literary themes and personal philosophy.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on January 24th
Usha Narayanan
First Lady of India
Born
1922 103 years ago
Died
January 24th, 2008 17 years ago — 86 years old
Burmese-born, served as First Lady of India from 1964 to 1966 during the presidency of her husband. Focused on social issues and humanitarian efforts while in office. Contributed to various cultural and charitable initiatives aimed at promoting education and women's welfare. Continued involvement in public service and philanthropic activities following her tenure as First Lady.
Continue ReadingSchafik Handal
Salvadoran politician and FMLN leader
Born
1930 95 years ago
Died
January 24th, 2006 19 years ago — 76 years old
Served as a prominent figure in Salvadoran politics, particularly associated with the leftist Farabundo Martí National Liberation Front (FMLN). Handal was an influential leader during the Salvadoran Civil War, advocating for social justice and the rights of the marginalized. He held various roles in the FMLN and continued to shape political discourse in El Salvador until his passing in 2006. Handal was also a member of the Legislative Assembly, where he worked on various reforms.
Continue ReadingCaligula
Roman Emperor and tyrant
Born
August 31st, 12 2013 years ago
Died
January 24th, 41 1984 years ago — 28 years old
Ascended to the imperial throne in 37 AD and ruled until assassination in 41 AD. His reign was marked by extravagant spending and a series of controversial political decisions. Initiated significant construction projects, including the expansion of the imperial palace. Under his rule, Rome witnessed numerous public spectacles and games, often reflecting his personal whims and desires. His leadership style became characterized by brutality and unorthodox behavior, leading to widespread discontent among the Senate and military.
Continue ReadingStanley Lord
Naval captain associated with Titanic
Born
September 13th, 1877 148 years ago
Died
January 24th, 1962 63 years ago — 84 years old
Served as a captain in the British merchant navy. Gained notoriety for commanding the SS Californian during the Titanic disaster in 1912. The vessel was closest to the Titanic but did not respond to distress signals in a timely manner, leading to significant historical scrutiny. His actions and inactions on that night were heavily discussed in inquiries and public debates over maritime safety and protocols.
Continue ReadingJ. Carrol Naish
American actor in film and television
Born
January 21st, 1896 129 years ago
Died
January 24th, 1973 52 years ago — 77 years old
Born in 1896, a prominent American actor became well recognized for roles in films and television from the 1920s to the 1970s. Frequently cast in character roles, appeared in over 200 films and television shows. Gained significant acclaim for performances in the 'The Adventures of Robin Hood' and 'The Manchurian Candidate'. Also lent voice to various animated characters in classic cartoons.
Continue ReadingFredrik Barth
Anthropologist and academic
Born
December 22nd, 1928 97 years ago
Died
January 24th, 2016 9 years ago — 87 years old
A German-Norwegian anthropologist contributed significantly to the field of anthropology, particularly in the study of social organization, ethnicity, and cultural change. Barth's work involved extensive field research, especially among the Pashtun of Afghanistan and the communities of Norway. His influential book, 'Types of Social Organization,' provided important insights into the dynamics of ethnic groups and cultural interactions. Barth's approach to anthropological fieldwork emphasized the significance of social context and the roles of local actors. His academic career included a long tenure at the University of Bergen, where he played a critical role in shaping the anthropology department.
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